[Review] Antec KÜHLER H₂O 920

Tests, Tools and Methodology:

How We Tested:

We are testing in 3 different configurations as outlined below. Each configuration will be tested with 3 different fans. We repeat the tests 3 times for each configuration and fan setup. A fresh application of TIM and a remount is performed between tests. This results in a total of 27 test results. We then calculate the averages for each configuration and fan setup.

The test itself is 45min long and consists of a 5min warm up / idle period which is followed by a 8 thread Prime95 load test and concludes with a 10min cool down period.

Setup #1: Stock @ 2.66 GHz (2.80 GHz)

BCLK

133 MHz

CPU Ratio

x21

Vcore

1.15v – LLC Enabled

VTT

1.2v

UNcore

x21

RAM DDR3

1066 / 7-7-7-20 1T

Setup #2: Medium OC @ 3.60 GHz

BCLK

180 MHz

CPU Ratio

x20

Vcore

1.3v – LLC Enabled

VTT

1.2125v

UNcore

x18

RAM DDR3

1440 / 8-8-8-24 1T

Setup #3: Overclocked @ 4.00 GHz

BCLK

200 MHz

CPU Ratio

x20

Vcore

1.4v – LLC Enabled

VTT

1.35v

UNcore

x16

RAM DDR3

1600 / 8-8-8-24 1T

We use 2 predefined fans for measurement consistency and to determine how well the cooler will scale for silence and performance. If the manufacturer supplies a fan, the factory fan will be included in all tests as well.

FAN #1:

SanAce | xxxxxx1011 | 120x120x38 | 120 CFM

FAN #2:

Scythe Gentle Typhoon 15 | 120x120x25 | 58 CFM

FAN #3:

Antec | 120x120x25 | 110 CFM

Bench Table:

All tests will be conducted on an open test bench.

Lian-Li PC-T60b is the bench table used for all benchmarks and stress testing.

Arctic Cooling MX-4 Ultra Premium Thermal Compound was used for all tests.

Arctic Silver ACN-60ML + Microfiber cloth is used for TIM removal.

Test Tools:

Thermometer #1:

CystalFontz DB635-AKTMF-KU3

Thermometer #2:

2x CystalFontz WRDOW17 Temp Sensor

This will be used to measure and monitor ambient temperature. The ambient temperature window is between 25C – 27C degrees. The target temperature is 26C degrees.